Behavioral Health Clinic

  Artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly integrated into both professional and personal settings, revolutionizing everyday experiences. Its efficiency contributes to simpler and more manageable routines by providing quick access to general facts, images, and videos. Additionally, AI is influencing how individuals learn, communicate, and interact with the world around them. As a result, there is growing interest in the potential of AI not only to optimize daily tasks but also to affect aspects of mental health and well-being. More people are now turning to AI technologies to address various psychological concerns, seeking support for issues such as negative thoughts or anxiety. People use AI as an instructor and, in some cases, as a personal therapist or coach. Let’s examine the implications, both positive and negative, of relying on AI for mental health support and consider its broader impact on personal development and interpersonal relationships. Studies and profess...

  Many individuals may be hesitant to pursue testing because of the unknown; the unknown about the process, the length of time, and the benefits. It may be possible that individuals have had negative experiences in the past preventing them from seeking additional support. Some people may have had previous testing and wonder if any additional testing may even be useful. Before going into the benefits, it’s important to know more about what psychological testing means. Psychological testing involves standardized assessments that measure an individual’s behavior and symptoms. Testing can include, but is not limited to, cognitive assessments, rating scales, personality assessments, structured interview-based assessments, and behavioral observations. Cognitive assessments are used to assess memory, processing speed, problem solving skills, and intellectual abilities. Rating scales and personality assessments may assess for some of the following: behavioral, emotional, and adaptive funct...

  For years society has operated on the deficit model of connection and empathy for autistic individuals. Dr. Damian Milton proposed, “What if it isn’t actually that autistic people struggle with empathy, but what if allistic (non-autistic) and autistic people don’t understand each other’s displays of emotion and empathy?” (Milton, 2012). Hence the name “Double Empathy Problem.” It’s not a problem with having double the amount of empathy; rather both parties having a problem (Milton, 2012). His idea can be likened to two people who speak different languages that share the same initial origin. Some things come across but not everything. Milton (2012) states, “If one can apply a label on the ‘other’ locating the problem in them, it also resolves the applier of the label’s ‘natural attitude’ of responsibility in their own perceptions…” Meaning that allistic folks have more or less dodged responsibility in their interactions with autistic folks through “othering” them and seeing themse...

  A digital mindset means being willing to learn, adapt, and explore how technology can improve our work and daily lives. Having digital skills is important, but skills alone may not be enough. A digital mindset also involves understanding how data, algorithms, and AI can create new possibilities. (Neeley & Leonardi, 2022) A digital mindset encourages us to ask: What can I learn from this technology? How can this tool help me? What new skills do I need? How can I continue learning as technology changes? How can I use technology while maintaining human connection? The digital workplace requires people to continue learning because technology does not have a final endpoint. Developing a digital mindset can help employees become more comfortable with change and better prepared for the future. (White, 2019) How Can Digital Change Affect Mental Health? Technology can make life easier, but rapid changes can also create stress. Employees may worry about job security, learning new ...

  Therapists enter the field to connect with and help people, but spend hours every night trapped behind screens typing progress notes, treatment plans, and insurance forms. We regularly educate our clients on the mental health consequences of excessive screen time, yet we find ourselves glued to computers long after the clinical day has ended. With the help of emerging artificial intelligence tools, specifically AI scribes and smart documentation, AI is helping lower clinician burnout, restoring work-life balance, and allowing therapists to return their full focus to where it matters most: patient care. The Crisis in Mental Health The impending administrative workload directly impacts clinician well-being, in-session engagement, and after-hours quality of life. Research from the American Psychological Association (2024) indicates that over half of mental health practitioners experience burnout symptoms tied directly to Electronic Health Record (EHR) burdens and administrative...

  Understanding neurodivergence can feel overwhelming, especially when your experiences don’t fit neatly into one category. Many people are familiar with autism and ADHD, but fewer have heard of AuDHD. AuDHD is an informal term used to describe  individuals  who show traits of both autism and ADHD. In this blog, we’ll explore what autism, ADHD, and AuDHD are, how they overlap, and what current research shows about these conditions in Wisconsin. What Is Autism? Autism  is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects communication, social interaction, and sensory processing. It is considered a spectrum condition, meaning it can present differently from person to person. Common traits of autism may include: Differences in social communication Sensory sensitivities (over- or under-responsiveness) Preference for routines and predictability Deep, focused interests Difficulty with changes in routine In Wisconsin, autism is increasingly recognized and diagnosed. Accordi...